Fela Kuti News

The genius that is Tony Allen departed this mortal world in April of 2020, but not without leaving an unmatched legacy that crossed oceans and borders, bridging cultures and forging a sound that changed music. As the drummer for Fela Kuti’s revolutionary Africa 70, Allen’s polyrhythmic drumming defined Afrobeat.

Voyageur, the new album from the legendary African guitarist and singer Ali Farka Touré, is out next month on World Circuit Records. In anticipation of the forthcoming record World Circuit is debuting the new track “Cherie” featuring acclaimed Malian diva and longtime friend of Touré’s Oumou Sangaré.

As The Apollo gears up for a historic 2023 with the opening of The Apollo's Victoria Theater and the renovation of the Historic Theater, the iconic Harlem nonprofit announced additional upcoming concerts, comedy shows, and educational programs for the winter and spring of 2023.

'Heart Wide Open,' produced by MNDR (Tokimonsta, Carly Rae Jepsen) and Ebonie Smith (Santigold, Janelle Monáe) is a joyous explosion of jazzy, brassy rhythms that happen to double as an homage to Fela Kuti's legacy of life-affirming anthems. Finally, the closer 'Set Me Free' transports you with hope to a paradise soundscaped with bright horns.

World Music Institute presents Underground System, Locobeach & Cheo Pardo.

Somi is preparing to make her debut performance at Carnegie Hall with her own band on November 18.  This highly-anticipated debut concert will offer a transatlantic mix of modern jazz, soul, and African pop, calling upon Somi's all-star tribute to the great “Mama Africa” on Zenzile.

Marcus King has released two tracks for Spotify’s Singles program, an afrobeat inspired version of 'Crazy', famed by Gnarls Barkley, as well as a full band reimagining of King’s instant classic song 'It’s Too Late'. Both songs were recorded at Electric Lady, home to classic artists including Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, and David Bowie.

Millennium Stage is a manifestation of the Kennedy Center’s mission and vision to welcome all to celebrate our collective cultural heritage. Millennium Stage will offer free live community performances, streamed live, plus online programs and film screenings, Wednesday–Sunday each week throughout our campus.

The New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) and the NOCCA Foundation (NOCCA) proudly present the return of audience favorite Ronald K. Brown / EVIDENCE, A Dance Company (EVIDENCE) at the Freda Lupin Memorial Hall, NOCCA on November 4th and 5th at 7:30 p.m.

rtist and activist Madame Gandhi (Kiran Gandhi) announced Vibrations, a short-form album set for release later this year via Sony Music. It’s the final project in a three-part series — following Voices (2016) and Visions (2019) — that looks at personal liberation, activism, being in service, and evolving in love.

For the first time in years, legendary Afrobeat artist and Kuti family scion SEUN KUTI & EGYPT 80 are relentlessly touring the globe with their ongoing US, UK, and European tour, hitting stops at major festivals and unique venues along the way. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 will be performing classic anthems and songs from their catalogue—including the most recent Grammy®-nominated album Black Times—alongside new material.

The New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) announces its 2022-23 Main Stage Dance Season at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts and Freda Lupin Memorial Hall, NOCCA.

Kaleta & Super Yamba Band will take their lauded live show back on the road this summer and fall. The shows kick off in Colorado Springs, CO tonight, August 9 and include debut festival appearances at Brooklyn’s Afropunk, Chicago’s World Music Festival and Louisville’s The Big Stomp as well as a performance at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America will continue on August 26 with a summer pop-up edition of Habibi Festival, a new NYC celebration of contemporary and traditional musics of the SWANA (South West Asian and North African) region at Bryant Park.

WMI celebrates its 37th year in NYC with 18 performances featuring artists from over 20 countries, including Botswana, Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, England, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, Ghana, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Korea, Mali, Morocco, South Africa, Spain, Ukraine, USA, Venezuela, and Wales.

This 12 song journey of original music takes you through an international confluence of downtempo, jazz, and funk has been aptly described as 'jazz for hip hop and deep house heads.' Similar artists include Kamaal Williams, Yussef Dayes, Sons of Kemet, Robert Glasper and Makaya McCraven. Listen to the new album now!

Chandler Center for the Arts has announced it will premiere NORTH, a vibrant new musical theater production conceived and created by writer and composer Ashli St. Armant, in November 2022.

The Kimmel Cultural Campus, Chef Jose Garces and Garces Events are pleased to announce the return of Balcony Bar at The Kimmel.

World Music Institute co-presents WOMEN'S VOICES SERIES with City Winery, Sunday, May 22, 2022 at The Loft at City Winery - 25 11th Ave (at 15th St), Manhattan.

JABM is proud to bring the party to North Las Vegas with George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic's One Nation Under a Groove Tour on August 13, 2022. Iconic front-man George Clinton is still at the helm, and this time, he's bringing his friends Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Fishbone and Fantastic Negrito.